Junior was one of the most impactful players to ever suit up on D and even after his prime was a leader and a playmaker. His work on the community in SD is felt to this day and there is an absolute ton of love for him in every corner of the county, this is a shitshow.

Sad sad news. He was an all time great. Don't wanna draw conclusions but suicide probably result of depression that might've had something to do with steroids or concussions. Seems like there are a lot of sad stories for former NFL players, which sucks because they are our heroes and they are on top of the world when they are in their prime.

Possibly. There is a lot that goes down behind the scenes in the locker room that the general public just doesn't know about. And as a fan I have to wonder how legitimate the NFL's intentions are to help their own players post retirement. Or rather, like a lot of lawsuits are claiming, how well are these players informed about concussion information before and during their careers. Money makes the world go round, and these players are seen as investments that can reel in huge amounts of dough as long as they keep playing at a high level. The folks benefiting from that kind of indulgence may not care to inform the actual players about their long term health status...or rather, not reveal the truth entirely.

That being said, I know that it is on the shoulders of the players themselves. It's pretty much common sense to see what is going on on the field, hear what is happening to other players around the league, and realize that the sport that you are playing has a high risk of screwing you up down the line.

damn it's tough to watch MArcellus Wiley on ESPN right now. Guy is sharing stories and is having a hard time keeping his composure

I can't help it man. Marcellus had me shedding tears for Junior. This is so sad...and just not fair.

I'd just like to take a minute to reflect on Junior's career, from my own perspective. I remember, when Junior signed with the Patriots. I said to myself, Seau? What is that guy, 50 years old? I laughed. Seau proved me wrong, playing 27 games in his first two seasons in New England. And as always, he played it with more passion and determination than any 22 year old punk could. He was a guy who brought another level of intensity to the game, every time he took the field. I'm really, really sad to hear about this.

Rest in Peace Junior Seau, you were a rare player and a rarer person. Damn man...

Sad sad news. He was an all time great. Don't wanna draw conclusions but suicide probably result of depression that might've had something to do with steroids or concussions. Seems like there are a lot of sad stories for former NFL players, which sucks because they are our heroes and they are on top of the world when they are in their prime.

The huge adjustment in lifestyle going from a Pro NFL player to an average citizen has to be a big factor for many guys. Going from making millions playing a game you love to doing what? Some would get involved in business or some jobs that they'd really enjoy even if the pay isn't nearly as much.

For some they wouldn't have anything besides football that really interests them. If they already have tons of money, they would figure why bother going to work making a small amount at a job I wouldn't enjoy. Then they'd have nothing to do, which isn't good for non-old people. For those that need the money making a fraction of what they did would be depressing.

Worse for a guy like Seau that loved the game so much. Doing anything else could have seemed extremely dull for him, don't know if he had other interests.

The spotlight going away would be a huge factor for certain types of people.

The huge adjustment in lifestyle going from a Pro NFL player to an average citizen has to be a big factor for many guys. Going from making millions playing a game you love to doing what? Some would get involved in business or some jobs that they'd really enjoy even if the pay isn't nearly as much.

For some they wouldn't have anything besides football that really interests them. If they already have tons of money, they would figure why bother going to work making a small amount at a job I wouldn't enjoy. Then they'd have nothing to do, which isn't good for non-old people. For those that need the money making a fraction of what they did would be depressing.

Worse for a guy like Seau that loved the game so much. Doing anything else could have seemed extremely dull for him, don't know if he had other interests.

The spotlight going away would be a huge factor for certain types of people.

I'm sure Seau could have gotten some kind of job as a sport analyst on a radio program or sports show, or ventured into some other business fairly easily. Especially with his reputation. For some reason I get the feeling there were bigger issues in his life than being bored at home. Maybe he had money problems (like a lot of athletes when they are done with the game), family issues, etc. And his health probably just wasn't in very good condition. Perhaps his mind was in really bad shape.

The huge adjustment in lifestyle going from a Pro NFL player to an average citizen has to be a big factor for many guys. Going from making millions playing a game you love to doing what? Some would get involved in business or some jobs that they'd really enjoy even if the pay isn't nearly as much.

For some they wouldn't have anything besides football that really interests them. If they already have tons of money, they would figure why bother going to work making a small amount at a job I wouldn't enjoy. Then they'd have nothing to do, which isn't good for non-old people. For those that need the money making a fraction of what they did would be depressing.

Worse for a guy like Seau that loved the game so much. Doing anything else could have seemed extremely dull for him, don't know if he had other interests.

The spotlight going away would be a huge factor for certain types of people.

I have no clue what contributed to Seau's depression and subsequent suicide, but I don't know if I'd automatically put being on juice in that mix.
When I think of 'true' five star recruits, I think of guys like Seau. He was 6'3, 240# as a freshman for the Trojans. I know there isn't a 'type' of player who juices, but IMO he wasn't a guy who built his career or longevity on using PEDs.

For selfish reasons, I hope concussions weren't a factor in Seau's death.
I still remember a quote in The Sporting News years ago about Seau; roughly paraphrased that said, 'Junior Seau plays the game of football with an intensity that borders on fear, as if something bad will happen to him if he doesn't.'

To put it simply, Seau was maniacal and played with a motor that few players can match.

For the sake of the game, I hope it was depression Seau suffered from unrelated to mental deterioration due to years of brain damage from head trauma.

Great player and one of my favorite defensive standouts. I still like him more than Ray Lewis.

This is awful... The man was one of the best Linebackers I have ever seen play the game. Its always terrible to lose suck an influential person. Not only on the Football field but off as well. What makes it worse is how it happened. He should have had a much longer life.